Reservations for cottages coming soon

Reservations for the 13 recently restored historic Crystal Cove Cottages will open to the public April 27 through the state parks' reservation system, ReserveAmerica, state parks officials said Thursday.

The rates have not been finalized, but they will be affordable, said Crystal Cove Alliance founder Laura Davick.

The first phase of the $14-million cottage restoration project is in its final stages, and state parks is putting the finishing touches on the cottages in the historic district.

"We are thrilled that we are now in the final countdown for opening this unique and special place," State Parks Director Ruth Coleman said in a news release.

The historic district's 10 overnight cottages and three dormitory-style cottages are meticulously decorated in the style of the cove's heyday, 1935 to 1955.

The Crystal Cove Alliance, a nonprofit organization dedicated to the preservation of the cove, has been awarded a 20-year contract to manage concessions for the historic district.

"We are feeling very honored with this responsibility, and we're looking forward to creating the Crystal Cove that we all wanted to see," Davick said.

The contract includes management responsibility for the cottages, the Crystal Cove Shake Shack and a beachfront cafe, the Beachcomber.

Reservations for the cottages can be made starting at 8 a.m. April 27, with the first available stay June 26. The reservations can be made online at www.parks.ca.gov or by calling ReserveAmerica at (800) 444-PARK. There will be no waiting lists.

"With its rustic charm and historic feel, we anticipate a huge demand by people who are eager to spend a night at a place unlike anything found anywhere on the West Coast," Coleman's news release stated.

One person per family can make one reservation each year, and there is a seven-day maximum per reservation, Davick said.

The monthly public tour of the historic district will be held from 10 a.m. to noon Saturday. The tour meets in the Los Trancos parking lot, Los Trancos and East Coast Highway. There is a $10 park entrance fee.